Why Choose A Fibreglass GRP Flat Roof?

The installation of a new roof is just about as major as home improvements get. Whether you’re looking to cover a garage, conservatory, extension or outbuilding of any kind, the roof serves a purpose of unique importance. One that’s self-explanatory, but certainly shouldn’t be taken for granted.

These days, anyone commissioning the design and installation of a new roof will find themselves with countless materials to choose from. One of which being GRP – glass reinforced plastic roofs having become increasingly popular over recent years. GRP is essentially the 21st century incarnation of fibreglass, with all key properties having been intensified like never before.

But with materials like felt, rubber and countless others to choose from, you naturally find yourself asking one key question:

Are fibreglass roofs any good?

Short answer…yes, they are! But to gain a better understanding of the benefits of glass reinforced plastic roofs, it’s first worth considering the latest advances in GRP.

Contrary to popular belief, fibre glass roofs are by no means a new concept. In fact, they’ve been used as a staple across much of the British building industry for more than five decades. Even at its earliest origins, fibreglass was identified as a building material of unique potential for homes and businesses alike. It’s just that the GRP on the market these days is exponentially more capable and advanced than any we’ve seen to date.

Of course, not all glass reinforced plastic roofs on the market are of the same quality. If planning to go ahead with such a major property improvement therefore, it’s worth doing your homework on the available service providers. Unless they have an established track record and a reputation that speaks for itself, it simply isn’t worth the risk.

The Benefits of Glass Reinforced Plastic Roofs

As for the unique benefits of GRP, contemporary fibreglass is a material capable of ticking every important box when it comes to home improvements. Particularly when compared and contrasted to alternative materials, the properties and potential advantages of GRP roofs tower over anything else on the market.

The following representing the biggest of all benefits of GRP roofs:

GRP Roofs Are Extremely Durable

When it comes to durability, GRP roofs take things to extremes. It goes without saying that durability counts when replacing or installing a roof – glass reinforced plastic has you and your home covered…literally. Depending on the quality of the material and the installation process, it isn’t uncommon for GRP roofs to offer comprehensive protection for decades with little to no maintenance required. Whereas materials like rubber or felt will inevitably degrade and deteriorate, this simply isn’t the case with GRP. Irrespective of the severity of exterior weather conditions, you can count on the durability of GRP to protect your home for the long-term.

GRP Roofs Are Maintenance-Free

Another huge advantage of fibreglass roofs is the almost entirely maintenance-free nature of the structure itself. Given that there are no seams, no joints and no welds, there is practically no way whatsoever that the structure can be weakened or damaged. Once installed, it is highly unlikely that any maintenance or repairs will be required for the indefinite future. There are no complicated components, no ongoing maintenance requirements of any sort and the guarantee of protection that goes above and beyond most comparable materials.

Glass Reinforced Plastic Roofs Provide Watertight Seals

The fact that there are no seams, no joints and no welds also allows GRP roofs to create the kind of watertight seal that outperforms almost all other materials. Precisely the reason why this is the same material used in the manufacture of boats – there’s nothing better for providing complete protection from the elements. This is particularly important in the case of flat roofs, where the accumulation of water can often lead to leaks and potentially costly repairs. Even in the case of the most advanced rubber membranes and similar coverings, the installation process still relies on welded or glued seams to get the job done. The result of which being the potential for leaks and general degradation to occur. This advanced waterproofing is part of the reason why GRP flat roofs typically outlast felt roofs by at least 300%.

Glass Reinforced Plastic Roofs Can Be Customised

These days, fibreglass GRP flat roofs can be customised in just about any way imaginable. To such an extent that it is even possible to design and install GRP roofs that accurately imitate other materials. Irrespective of the specifics of the property itself, fibreglass roofs can be designed to fit in seamlessly with the style and décor of the rest of the home. They can be used to create statement pieces in their own right, or fade elegantly into the background to complement the home. With GRP, the only limitation is your own imagination.

Glass Reinforced Plastic Roofs Are Practical

Practicality also factors into the equation, given the general versatility of glass reinforced plastic. For example, a fibreglass roof can be moulded to suit any shape or area as required, fitting around roof lights, light wells and general obstacles. If it will be necessary to walk on the roof at any time, the surface can be made non-slip for maximum safety and convenience. From skylights to shutters to all manner of decorative features, the opportunities are endless. A glass reinforced plastic roof is as much about creating the home of your dreams as it is about protecting your interiors.

Glass Reinforced Plastic Roofs Are Simple to Install

Compared to most other types of flat roofs, a fibreglass roof can be comprehensively simple to install. In most instances, the entire roof (or the vast majority thereof) is manufactured elsewhere as a single piece. This is then transported to the property and fitted with a relative ease. Depending on the nature of the project, a GRP roof can mean benefiting from minimum disruption and the fastest possible results.

Glass Reinforced Plastic Roofs Are Cost Effective

Last but not least, combine all of the benefits listed above and you’re left with a uniquely cost-effective solution. For one thing, quality glass reinforced plastic roofs are not particularly expensive in the first place. They’re also considerably cheaper than some of the alternative options on the market. Nevertheless, the fact that they are practically maintenance-free, durable in the extreme and easy to install furthers their unbeatable value for money. Particularly when considering how beautiful and timeless a high-quality glass reinforced plastic roof can be.

The Takeaway…

Depending on the specifics of the project, a GRP flat roof is often a no-brainer. A more affordable, durable, reliable and attractive alternative to most comparable building materials for flat roofs.

Once again, the important thing to remember is that all of the above applies only when a reputable and reliable contractor is taken on for the job. Nevertheless, get it right in this department and the rest takes care of itself naturally!

For more information on GRP flat roofs or to discuss your requirements in more detail, get in touch with a member of the Bluestone Ltd. team today.